Serov

Nicholas Rubinstein had first approached Serov, who was not unwilling to accept the post.

One day he remarked fearlessly: I am sure of this—Serov has more talent for composition than Wagner.

Serov was an enthusiastic imitator of Wagner, and even his own countrymen admit that his works have little musical value.

In 1858 Serov returned from a visit to Germany literally hypnotised by Wagner.

For me Serov is not dead, says Wagner; for me he still lives actually and palpably.